I don't own Maximum Ride. Duh.
*3 days before the last 2 chapters*
"Given the advances made in genetic research we'd like to discuss initiating our findings on a larger…global scale." A bald man sat in an executive's chair across a large Cherry table. The seats around him were occupied as well by fellow scientists, researchers, and environmental activists to discuss the future of the scientific community.
"We'd like to administer our agent to the population of a mid-sized state, and analyze differences in various attributes." He offered with a smile.
"You have got to be kidding me." Valencia Martinez muttered under her breath to Jeb Batchelder. "Val, calm-" But it was too late. Valencia had already raised her hand and been acknowledged by one of the world's most renowned geneticists.
"I'm sorry Dr. Arkin, but I don't believe I'm understanding you correctly. You want to administer the drug to an entire POPULATION? What negative effects have been found with your product? How would it affect surrounding areas and larger ecological systems? " Valencia spoke rapidly, bombarding the scientist with questions. To her surprise, he chuckled slightly.
"I do thank you for your questions, but I'm sure the answers to all of them lie in the report that you were handed upon entry to this Forum." He answered.
"I've read this report. I'm wondering how deformed physical features, such as crooked spines, extra fingers, and thinner legs unable to support their own weight can be interpreted as minor negative effects?" Valencia replied harshly.
"Val, stop." Jeb whispered through clenched teeth, grabbing her knee under the table in response. She only glared at Dr. Arkin. Jeb noticed the crazed glint in his eyes and his right hand twitching in response.
"All of those effects were remedied, as that occurred in the initial launch of the product." Dr. Arkin replied with hostility.
"Dr. Martinez has a point Dr. Arkin. While it does seem that the benefits of this drug are numerous, we would need additional research in a more controlled environment before we could support that type of action." Valencia recognized the man speaking now as a senator, Alvin Robb. Val didn't know why he was here, but at least someone was smart enough to shut this lunatic up.
Dr. Arkin looked like he was ready to object but hesitated to do so. The group disassembled and agreed to meet again tomorrow.
"You always sucked at Poker, Val." Jeb said randomly. She would have been insulted but Valencia knew it was true. She was just trying to figure out what made him say that so randomly. "Do you remember back in college? The strip poker game after midterms?" Jeb asked quietly.
The pair stopped in the hallway near their adjoining rooms at the hotel. Valencia flushed remembering the night a little too vividly, wondering how this could possibly pertain to the meeting they had just returned from.
"You kept scowling, every time you looked at your cards. I knew you had a shitty hand, and you were trying to bluff." Jeb explained. "You just showed your hand again, Val. Arkin is a madman. Everyone knows it, but they don't do anything about it because he's brilliant. No one was going to let him get away with that. At least, not legally."
"You want to just let him contaminate a state's water supply?! Or administer a gas agent to a state and its entire surrounding area?!" Val screamed back. "You know what tampering with genetics does, Jeb! Look at Max!"
"I'm not supporting it! Not at all! But you just made him look like an idiot and a lunatic at the same time! If he's half as crazy as we think he is, you might have just put yourself in danger!" Jeb shot back. He took a deep breath, leaning against the wall of the hotel. "There's a really good chance that Arkin's planning on doing that with or without anyone's approval. I think it's time for the Flock to intervene."
"You were trying to get information. You're TRYING to bring the Flock into this." Valencia shot back.
"You saw him, Val. You said it yourself! What he's trying to do, it could…"
"It could destroy the world." Val whispered. Jeb nodded.
The pair didn't even notice the door open or Angel peek out. "That's exactly what he's going to do."